City of Canning on cusp of finalising Cannington City Centre rejuvenation plan

An artist’s impression of what Cecil Avenue would look like after the upgrade.

THE City of Canning is on the cusp of finalising its Cannington city centre rejuvenation, with the acquisition of land and plans for Cecil Avenue on the agenda at tonight’s council meeting.

Councillors will discuss the plans for Cecil Avenue before deciding whether to authorise the draft concept plan and put it out for public comment.

The council may also request the draft plan and |public feedback return to council with revised costings for a final sign off.

Two cost options are available, with a $5 million difference over the life of the project to 2027.

There is the possibility of providing a lower cost road to help compensate for some of the cost difference from providing high specifications in other aspects of the project.

The Cecil Avenue upgrade is one of the early key stages and to achieve it land must be bought from Scentre Group.

Chief executive Arthur Ktron needs authorisation from the council to finalise the acquisition.

The City’s overall rejuvenation is expected to take 20 to 30 years and will use public and private investment to create 10,000 homes for up to 25,000 residents, resulting in $5 billion in output and 15,000 jobs.

The acquired land will be used to build a fresh streetscape for Cecil Avenue, creating a tree-lined “urban spine” for the new city centre.

The concept design moves bus stops to the midblock with pedestrian access, making it possible to continue street tree alignments on the footpaths.

By adding in paving, tarmac areas will be reduced and there is allowance for light rail provision should it occur in the future.

The rejuvenation will create a boulevard effect in Cannington and integrate Carousel Shopping Centre’s frontage with an activated high street.